Our website uses cookies and similar tools to improve its performance and enhance your user experience and by continuing to use this website without changing your settings, you consent to their use. To find out more about the cookies we use or how to change your settings, please see our Cookie Policy.OK

Research Activities

Research for developing UD products

At Panasonic Group, results of research findings are used to improve the usability of our products.

Research on 'ease of seeing'Cataract Simulation Goggles

Approximately 70% of people over the age of 60 suffer from cataracts, which cause clouding and gradual yellowing of vision.We collaborated with ophthalmologifts to research elderly cataract pathents and developed cataract goggles that let us experience the way they see. We use these goggles to validate and improve the legibility of catalogs, manuals, packaging, and product displays. These goggles were implemented as standard product development procedure in 2000.

Research on 'ease of hearing'Voice Guidance Standards

Voice guidance is an effective method of conveying information for many people We researched sound quality, volume, speed of speech, content, expressions, and length of sentence to create standards foe voice guidance to make it easier to hear and understand. These voice guidance standards were implemented in 2003.

Research on 'ease of reading'Panasonic Universal Design Font Development (from 2006)

For optimal legibility of letters, we not only researched size and contrast of the letters, but the fonts themselves. Through global research, validation by senior users, and expert interviews, we identified four elements that constitute a good font: visibility, recognizability, legibility, and good design. We collaborated with a type foundry, Iwata Co., Ltd., and developed the world's first Universal Design font in 2006. This font is used for all operation panels on Panasonic products. In 2008, the font was used as the brand logo for Panasonic Group.

Research on 'ease of distinguishing between color schemes'Color Universal Design (from 2007)

In a collaboration with non-profit organization, CUDO (Color Universal Design Organization), we analyzed colors that can easily be distingueished by those with difficulties differentiating between red and green hues. The results are used on VIERA and DIGA’s remote control color buttons and on program guides. We acquired the CUDO’s Color Universal Design Certification, which is only given to products that have met their standards. Color Universal Design was implemented in 2007.

Research on 'ease of use for those with sight problems'Tactile Symbol Decals

The IH Cooktop electrostatic touch buttons are smooth and easy to clean, but they are hard to distinguish for visually challenged users. In order to ensure safety, we collaborated with Japan Lighthouse to develop tactile decals with embossed symbols which are easier to understand and more durable.

Scientifically evaluate the 'ease of use'Reserch on Motion, Burden, and Mobility

Panasonic is continuing to develop products that visualize and quantify the vague sensation that is “user friendly”, using various scientific analysis such as the load on muscles and changes in the center of gravity. Recently, we have been using digital human simulation to visualize the physical load of an item.

Research to prevent accidents before they happenSafety Consideration

Children’s fingers often get caught in doors and hinges often. By developing finger-like equipment with sensors, we were able to test, validate, and develop preventive measures into various products.

Our website uses cookies and similar tools to improve its performance and enhance your user experience and by continuing to use this website without changing your settings, you consent to their use. To find out more about the cookies we use or how to change your settings, please see our Cookie Policy.OK